by Gerry Connors

Harrisburg, PA — “Oh, Mister Big, after I picked you all spring…and then you win last week at 15-1…”

Well, that’s enough of that. The job is to give a good analysis of the famous Meadowlands Pace, the eighth event on the Saturday card at the New Jersey oval and the next in the USTA Cyber Series.

I don’t think you’ll get 8-1 on Tell All, but I make him my pick here. Last week he was last at the half and still far back at the three-quarters, and would have had to grow wings to get there in the :26.3 kicker. And that was after a layoff (and look at his Mohawk races after a similar pattern). He won the North America Cup first-over, and on his best mile I think he can handle these, but post one and the possibility of again being first-up are a little scary.

Sutter Hanover was on top at the quarter for the first time in his career in his M Pace elim last week and cut a fast three-quarters before giving way — a classic “speed-tightening” that may set him up for a top mile here, though his inability to dent Tell All in the North America Cup stretch is still a bother to me.

Southwind Lynx already has one seven-figure win this season, and has the red-hot Tetrick.

Truey’s Legacy went the race of his life last time and adds Lasix; underside longshot?

Running Book was my choice in the Breeders Crown last year; he might be overbet off the perfect-trip fast clocking, especially since Sears chose Always A Virgin over him.

And Always A Virgin? Deserves to be the favorite, and is really sharp right now. I just think he’s going to be a bit short of a price against a caliber of field which he really hasn’t faced yet. Maybe the next superstar, but the odds figure to be too skinny for me now.

Always a great race — the Meadowlands Pace. Enjoy! And good luck!

Editor’s Note: The Meadowlands Pace Final will be the 12th stop on the USTA’s Cyber Circuit. Be sure to view the race replay moments after the “official” sign is posted. Follow the entire Cyber Circuit by following this link.